On this episode of In Session, we talk to Kiana Longnecker, School Climate and Culture Consultant and Project Prevent (Cohort 2) Grant Program Director about the small group restorative circles coaching program at Oakridge Schools in Muskegon Area Independent School District (MAISD). Longnecker is joined by Rachel VanDyke, teacher at Oakridge Public Schools. This conversation is guided by NCSSLE’s Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunniff.

To learn more about Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, read their Grantee Highlight and visit their website.

1:05 - Introductions

2:13 - About the coaching program

4:29 - About participants of the coaching program

6:05 - Community building across grade levels

7:44 - Impact of classroom walk-throughs

10:16 - Creating a Safe Space

11:29 - Circle structure and confidentiality

13:54 - Session topics and facilitation plan

16:37 - Positive feedback from teachers

19:15 - Sustainability plans

23:40 - Impact of small-group circles

28:40 - How concepts were applied in the classroom30:06 - Initial skepticism and how they addressed it

33:22 - Reason they implemented a restorative circle format

37:40 - Oakridge Schools Implementation Successes

38:48 - Defining PBIS and CHAMPS

43:53 - Closing and Takeaways

"In Session" is brought to you by the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (www.safesupportivelearning.ed.gov) at the American Institutes for Research (www.air.org). This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Please note, the contents of this podcast do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the U.S. Department of Education, nor does it imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.